The Illinois Blockchain Initiative is joining forces with Fulcrum, a subsidiary of Axiom Technology Group, to host IBI Hack, a virtual blockchain hackathon that takes place in the Illinois State.

The event is a month-long challenge open to students and recent graduates who want to learn more about blockchain technology.

The idea is to invite industry leaders and students to share ideas, while fostering innovations in e-identity, digitized government, and connected cities. The latter are concepts that belong to the Smart State Initiative, which has been launched by the State of Illinois.

“Illinois is the state of innovation, and I am proud to see our young men and women getting involved in the Illinois Blockchain Initiative Hack. Empowering our youth is empowering the future of Illinois.”, as Governor Bruce Rauner stated.

“These talented individuals will be faced with a lot of issues to solve as they grow, and encouraging them to get involved in shaping the future of our state and country now through innovation can teach them the power they have to influence change through creative problem solving. I am excited to see their ideas for Illinois, and I wish them good luck in this inaugural IBI Hack-a-thon!”, as the local official added.

IBI Hack is a virtual hackathon, meaning that participants don`t need to travel in order to take part.

The hackathon began on July 1 and will end on August 1. Some of the companies attending the event are Accenture, Blockstream, Bloq, BNP Paribas, BNY Mellon, Bombay Stock Exchange and the Hyperledger Project, among others.